From its inception, Portuguese Heritage Publications of California was fortunate enough to have received the enthusiastic support and encouragement of August Mark Vaz to go forward with its Mission to research, preserve and disseminate vanishing memories and relevant historic events about the Portuguese presence in California.

When asked to collaborate on our first publication The Holy Ghost Festas – A Historic Perspective of the Portuguese in California, he replied with a generous and resounding “definitely”!

August Mark Vaz was a pioneer in California Portuguese historiography. His book The Portuguese in California, published in 1965, is still recognized today as a most valuable reference for the history of the Portuguese immigrant experience in California. His passing on September 12, 2013, leaves a recognizable void within the Portuguese-American literary community, as well as the community at large.

Portuguese Heritage Publications of California is most grateful for August Mark Vaz generous contribution, enthusiastic support and friendship. We extend our sincere condolences to his family. Paz á sua alma (May his soul rest in peace).

Henrique Dinis

President, PHPC, Inc.